Washington, DC – As Howard University’s women’s and men’s basketball teams prepare to begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament play, they do so led by dynamic first-year student athletes whose exemplary play shows the future is bright for both programs. 

During the MEAC Basketball Awards Dinner last night in Norfolk, Va., Saniyah King and Blake Harper were named 2025 Rookie of the Year for MEAC’s women’s and men’s basketball. In addition to his Rookie of the Year honor, Harper was named MEAC Player of the Year — earning him the distinction of being the first player in MEAC history to win both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season. Both students are local products, with King, a 5’7” guard from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va., and Harper, a 6’8” guard from Washington’s Gonzaga College High School.  

Sustaining a championship culture takes commitment, fortitude, and great talent. We are very fortunate to have players who reflect that."  

“We are so proud to have such talented and skilled players as Saniyah and Blake representing the University and we’re thrilled that folks in the MEAC have recognized the contributions both have made to their respective teams and the conference, overall,” said Howard University Athletics Director Kery Davis. “These honors show that our coaching staff understand the importance of recruiting the excellent talent that’s right here in our own backyard and makes the case that the future of Howard University basketball is very bright.” 

In addition to her Rookie of the Year honors, King, a psychology major whose family includes 11 Howard University alumni, was named to the MEAC’s All-Rookie Team and earned a spot on the All-MEAC Second Team. Other members of the team earning honors include graduate student Destiny Howell (First Team All-MEAC), Zennia Thomas (Third Team All-MEAC), and Nile Miller (Third Team All-MEAC and All-Defensive Team). 

“Sustaining a championship culture takes commitment, fortitude, and great talent. We are very fortunate to have players who reflect that,” said Women’s Head Coach Ty Grace. “To say I am proud of Saniyah's accomplishments is an understatement. She has embodied leadership and excellence all season. This award solidifies the hard work and dedication she continues to put in. Along with her teammates, they have represented our program and the University with great pride and admiration.”  

Harper, a criminology major and sports management minor, was by far the conference’s standout first-year player. Named to the First Team All-MEAC and All-Rookie Team, Harper’s electrifying play earned him 18 Rookie of the Week selections as well as three Player of the Week nods. 

“We call our program ‘The Dream Factory,’ because I believe that anything is possible for the young men who join our program,” Men’s Head Coach Kenny Blakeney said. “Blake Harper’s recognition last night as the first-ever Howard University freshman to win MEAC Rookie and Player of the Year is the latest milestone for our trailblazing program. I couldn’t be prouder of the work Blake put in to earn these honors and the way that he represents Howard University each day.” 

Additional honors for the men’s team include junior Ayodele Taiwo (All MEAC Defensive Team), graduate student Cameron Shockley-Okeke (Third Team All-MEAC), senior Marcus Dockery (Second Team All-MEAC), and freshman Calvin Robins, Jr. (MEAC All-Rookie Team).  

These honors are a great way to kick off tournament play at The Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va., and vie for an opportunity to represent the MEAC in the NCAA women’s and men’s basketball tournaments, affectionally known as March Madness. The 2nd seed women open the quarterfinal round action against 7th seed Delaware State University with a 2 p.m. tipoff today. On the men’s side, the 4th seed and two-time defending MEAC champion Bison will face Morgan State University on Thursday at 6 p.m. 

The MEAC Tournament is a single-elimination activity. Quarterfinal and semifinal matchups will be streamed live on ESPN+ with both championship games taking place on Saturday, March 15. The men’s final begins at 1 p.m. and will broadcast live on ESPN2, while the women’s championship game starts at 4 p.m. and will air live on ESPNews. 

For information about the 2025 MEAC Basketball Tournament, including live stats, visit www.MEAChoops.com.